SPIRALLING childhood obesity in Merseyside is being fuelled by youngsters playing less outside.

A national survey has shown parents’ safety fears about children’s welfare is, in effect, making them bigger, and a Liverpool lecturer says a low tolerance by adults of youngsters playing is making the problem worse.

Dr Stephanie Petrie, senior social policy lecturer at the University of Liverpool, says the rise in childhood obesity is deeply worrying, and is partly caused by a low provision of outdoor facilities for the young.

Nearly one in four boys and one in three girls, aged 10-11, in Liverpool are overweight, and the British Heart Foundation predicts two thirds of all children will be overweight or obese by 2050.

Dr Petrie said: “Sixty minutes of physical activity is needed each day for children to stay fit and healthy.

“But research has shown that only 45% of girls and 60% of boys reach this level.

“This means more of our young people are becoming obese.

“There are a number of issues. Part of the problem is there are fewer places to play, and we are also intolerant as a society to groups of children doing things outside.

“There are less youth clubs and places for them to go.

“We need to take a collective responsibility and encourage more outside activities. It is essential for children’s development.”

The national survey of more than 2,000 adults, commissioned by Vitabiotics Wellkid, found that many parents are scared to let their children play outside, and also believe that too much television and time spent on the computer is compounding the problem.

The survey reveals that children are becoming increasingly aware of their own weight.

Almost half of the parents surveyed (49%), who have children aged 11 and 12, said their child has talked about their size.

There is also concern about what children are eating. Eight out of 10 children are not eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, with a quarter of parents admitting being pestered into buying unhealthy foods.

Six in 10 use chocolates, sweets or crisps as a reward for their children, while almost half (43%) rarely or never use smoothies, fruit or seeds as a reward.

Active City, a joint project between Liverpool PCT and the city council, is trying to encourage children and parents to get outside and exercise by promoting safe ways to do so.

Gideon Ben Tovim, chair of Liverpool PCT, said: “The benefits of play to young people are vast.

“It also relieves stress and calms the nerves, builds confidence and self-esteem and helps sleep and relaxation.”

Mark Jones, Lifestyles manager at Liverpool City Council, added: “With us spending such a greater amount of time indoors in a controlled climate, our bodies are not developing in the way they did in the past.

“This means that we are developing immune systems that are not fit for purpose and eating for high-calorie activities that we will never participate in.

“We have plenty of facilities within Liverpool for both indoor and outdoor exercise and a combination of both will assist us in reaping the greatest rewards.”

Various schools in Merseyside host an extensive range of extended schools activities, many held outdoors.

At Cardinal Heenan in West Derby, British Cycling “Go Ride” sessions are being held throughout March and there are BMX coaching sessions at various Lifestyles sites, including Everton Park and Walton, on March 22 and 28 respectively.

These sessions will be lead by two-time world champion, Dylan Clayton, and tuition and supervision will be provided, inclusive of bikes and safety gear.

All sessions are totally free and more details are available from the centres on 0151 207 1921 or 0151 523 3472.

For other events in your area, log on to www.liverpoolactivecity.co.uk/ activity_finder.php